Knowledge areas · 76 Terms
PG, VG, nicotine forms, strength figures and packaging formats – what the label says and what it means technically.
Composition, nicotine form and viscosity determine which liquid technically suits which device. On their own they say nothing about health safety.
0 mg/ml labels an e-liquid whose declared nicotine concentration is zero milligrams per millilitre. The statement concerns nicotine only and describes neither the other ingredients nor automatic suitability for every device.
Open term10 mg/ml states a concentration of ten milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of e-liquid. This ratio remains comparable across different bottles; calculating total content also requires the stated volume of liquid.
Open termA 10 ml bottle is a refill container declaring ten millilitres of e-liquid content; its physical capacity may be larger to provide headspace. The figure states fill quantity, while closure type, nicotine content and dispensing tip are separate characteristics.
Open term20 mg/ml denotes a nicotine concentration of twenty milligrams per millilitre of e-liquid. The number describes formulation, not device power; with this higher content, clear labelling, child-safe storage and attention to product warnings are especially important.
Open term3 mg/ml is a nicotine concentration of three milligrams in each millilitre of e-liquid. It permits comparison independent of bottle size; total nicotine depends on volume, while delivery per puff remains device-dependent.
Open termA 50/50 liquid nominally contains equal proportions of PG and VG, provided the manufacturer uses that stated order. The ratio gives intermediate viscosity between PG-heavy and VG-heavy blends, but does not guarantee suitability for every coil.
Open term6 mg/ml denotes six milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of e-liquid, twice the concentration of 3 mg/ml. It is a contents declaration and, without aerosol volume and puff behaviour, does not state how much is taken in.
Open termAcetoin is a flavour-active hydroxyketone with creamy or butter-like notes and may also occur as a by-product in flavour mixtures. Its presence is chemically distinct from diacetyl and should be assessed through specification or analysis.
Open termAcetyl propionyl, also called 2,3-pentanedione, is a dicarbonyl compound with a buttery, caramel-like aroma. It is measured separately from diacetyl and acetoin; possible presence requires substance-specific assessment rather than inference from a flavour name alone.
Open termAcetyl pyrazine is an aromatic compound that can reinforce roasted, nutty, grain-like or popcorn notes. In e-liquid flavours it acts as a concentrated building block within a wider profile; sensory effect and specification depend on the formulation.
Open termAftertaste is the flavour impression that remains in the mouth and throat after aerosol is exhaled and a puff ends. Its duration and character depend on flavour substances, sweetening, formulation base, device and individual perception.
Open termBase liquid is the carrier of an e-liquid formulation and typically consists of propylene glycol, glycerine or a mixture of both. It may be nicotine-free or have a stated nicotine content and establishes the final product's volume and flow properties.
Open termBenzoic acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid used in some formulations to protonate nicotine and form a nicotine salt. It affects pH and formulation behaviour; its presence and amount cannot be inferred from nicotine strength alone.
Open termBreathing e-liquid means leaving a bottle open temporarily so volatile components can escape. This can alter flavour and composition while also increasing oxygen exposure and possible contamination; it is therefore not a universal steeping recommendation.
Open termA Chubby Gorilla bottle is a common squeezable e-liquid bottle design with a fitted narrow nozzle and typically a child-resistant screw cap. It comes in several sizes; nominal volume, leak resistance and tamper evidence remain properties of the specific package.
Open termCitric acid is an organic tricarboxylic acid that can influence tartness and pH in some flavour formulations. In an e-liquid it is a deliberately specified additive; food use alone determines neither concentration nor suitability for aerosol application.
Open termConcentrate is a general term for a preparation containing a higher proportion of functional ingredients than a finished liquid, such as flavour substances. It must enter a final formulation according to its label and is not automatically intended for direct use on a coil.
Open termA cooling agent is a flavour additive that activates cold receptors and thereby creates a cooling sensation, often without a pronounced mint taste. It changes sensory perception but does not necessarily lower the physical temperature of the aerosol.
Open termLiquid density is mass per unit volume, for example grams per millilitre. Because PG, VG and formulated mixtures have different densities, volume and weight measurements can be converted accurately only with an appropriate density value.
Open termDiacetyl is a volatile dicarbonyl compound with a distinctly buttery aroma. It may occur as a flavour substance or minor constituent; because it is toxicologically relevant when inhaled, controlled raw materials, analytical testing and transparent product information are especially important.
Open termDilution reduces a substance's concentration by adding a compatible carrier intended for that purpose. In e-liquids it changes flavour, nicotine and PG/VG proportions plus viscosity at once; final values and product instructions matter, not merely added volume.
Open termDistilled water is water largely freed from dissolved minerals by evaporation and condensation. In some manufactured e-liquid formulations a declared small component adjusts viscosity; its purity alone does not make water an e-liquid or suitable for vaping.
Open termDIY e-liquid is assembled by the user from base, flavour and, where applicable, a labelled nicotine component. It requires traceable calculations, suitable raw materials, clean working practice and durable labelling; nicotine solutions in particular are not suitable for unverified experimentation.
Open termA dropper bottle dispenses e-liquid in small portions through a narrow dropper tip or pipette. It helps fill small openings and control dispensing, but must close securely and use a material compatible with the formulation.
Open termE-liquid is the fluid heated in an e-cigarette. Common ingredients include propylene glycol, glycerine, flavourings and optional nicotine; the specific product label is always decisive.
Open termE-liquid discolouration is a visible change from the original colour caused, for example, by oxidation, flavour reactions, heat or contact with coil residue. Colour alone proves neither spoilage nor safety; storage, smell, date and manufacturer guidance also require consideration.
Open termEthanol is a volatile alcohol that may appear in some e-liquid formulations as a solvent or to adjust flow and flavour properties. It is not a required standard ingredient; presence, purity and proportion are product-specific information.
Open termEthyl maltol is an aromatic compound with a sweet note reminiscent of caramel or candyfloss. In e-liquid formulations it can round flavour transitions or reinforce sweet impressions; it remains a concentrated flavour component with a product-specific intended range.
Open termFlavour concentrate in e-liquids is a concentrated preparation of taste- and aroma-producing substances in a carrier. It is a formulation component rather than normally a finished liquid; composition, intended range and application are product-specific.
Open termFlavour layering is the formulation of a profile from multiple notes perceived together or in sequence. Top, middle and background notes can unfold differently through volatility, concentration and vaporisation temperature without forming physically separate liquid layers.
Open termA flavour profile is the complete pattern of aroma, sweetness, tartness, cooling and, where applicable, tobacco notes perceived in an e-liquid. It describes intensity, balance and timing, but is sensory and can change with device and power.
Open termFood flavouring is a preparation that gives food aroma or taste and is sometimes used as a source for e-liquid flavour systems. Approval for ingestion does not automatically assess inhalation suitability; the specific e-liquid formulation is what matters.
Open termFreebase nicotine is the unprotonated, alkaline form of the nicotine molecule traditionally used in many e-liquids. Compared with nicotine salts it differs in pH and formulation behaviour; actual strength is still determined by the stated mg/ml.
Open termGlycerine, chemically glycerol, is a trihydric alcohol and an important carrier in e-liquids. It is hygroscopic and substantially more viscous than propylene glycol; source, purity grade and proportion should be established from the specific product declaration.
Open termA high-PG liquid has a large proportion of propylene glycol and usually flows more readily than a VG-rich formulation. This can aid feeding in small atomizers while also changing aerosol and draw sensation; the declared mixture is decisive.
Open termA high-VG liquid contains a large glycerine proportion relative to PG and is therefore usually considerably more viscous. It needs adequate feed channels and wicking; the term has no universal percentage threshold, so the stated ratio matters.
Open termLiquid is the common shortened name for the consumable fluid used in an e-cigarette. It covers nicotine-containing and nicotine-free formulations, different PG/VG ratios and flavours; an arbitrary liquid is not necessarily suitable for an atomizer.
Open termLiquid volume is the amount of space occupied by a fluid and is usually stated in millilitres for e-liquids. It may describe actual bottle contents or tank capacity; external container size and empty headspace are separate quantities.
Open termA longfill contains a relatively small quantity of flavour concentrate in a much larger bottle. The remaining volume is reserved for the base components specified by the product; before that completion, the contents are not ready-to-vape liquid.
Open termMalic acid is an organic dicarboxylic acid with a pronounced tart taste, used in some fruit flavour systems. It can alter formulation profile and pH; the name alone gives no information about a particular amount or inhalation suitability.
Open termMenthol is an aromatic alcohol that produces a mint aroma and a cooling sensory effect, partly through cold receptors. Perceived coolness does not mean an equivalent reduction in aerosol temperature; concentration and combination shape the flavour profile.
Open termmg/ml means milligrams of a substance per millilitre of liquid and is a mass concentration. For nicotine, the figure states the content of each millilitre; the total quantity in a bottle also depends on its volume.
Open termA millilitre is one thousandth of a litre and equals one cubic centimetre of volume. The unit is used for bottle contents, tank capacity and formulation portions; it measures volume rather than mass because liquids have different densities.
Open termA mixing ratio states the relative quantities of several components in an intended e-liquid formulation, as percentages or a ratio. It determines factors such as final PG/VG proportions and concentrations; without clearly named components the number sequence is ambiguous.
Open termNatural flavour describes flavour substances obtained from natural source materials under the applicable definitions. The term concerns origin, not automatic purity or lower risk; natural flavours can also be complex formulation ingredients requiring appropriate identification.
Open termNeutral base is an unflavoured mixture of carrier substances such as PG and VG. It serves as a starting component for designated mixing formats; its ratio, possible nicotine content and purity information are stated on the specific product.
Open termNicotine is an alkaloid naturally occurring in tobacco plants and is present at a stated concentration in some e-liquids. It has pharmacological effects and is addictive; content, chemical form and warning labelling are key properties of the product.
Open termA nicotine booster is a nicotine-containing carrier solution used to raise nicotine content in a final product designed for it. The term does not specify one standard concentration; the label, total volume and legally permitted product information are decisive.
Open termNicotine content is the numerical declaration of how much nicotine an e-liquid contains, usually as a concentration in mg/ml and sometimes as a total quantity. The reference basis and unit are essential for correctly comparing different bottle volumes.
Open termNicotine oxidation refers to reactions of nicotine with oxygen and other influences during storage or use. Degradation products and yellow-to-brown colouring may develop; protection from light, a tight closure and product age influence the process.
Open termNicotine salt is a liquid form in which nicotine is chemically combined with an acid. It is often used in lower-power pod systems; the concentration stated in mg/ml remains essential.
Open termA nicotine shot is a small labelled bottle of nicotine-containing base used to adjust designated liquid formats. Its concentration and volume determine the calculated final content; nicotine is addictive and the contents require careful, child-safe handling.
Open termNicotine strength usually means the concentration of nicotine relative to liquid volume, most often in mg/ml. It describes bottle contents, not the amount taken in per puff; device, power and puff behaviour additionally affect delivery.
Open termNicotine-free liquid is e-cigarette fluid with a declared nicotine content of 0 mg/ml. It may still contain PG, VG and flavourings; therefore, nicotine-free describes only that component and does not mean generally risk-free.
Open termA one-shot concentrate is a pre-balanced blend of several flavour components intended to create a complete flavour profile. It is supplied as a concentrate and is not for undiluted vaping; the label defines its intended amount and carrier base.
Open termOxidation is a chemical reaction between e-liquid ingredients and oxygen that can be accelerated by light, heat and frequent air exchange. It may alter colour, smell and flavour; extent and significance depend on formulation, packaging and storage time.
Open termThe PG/VG ratio states the relative proportions of propylene glycol and glycerine in an e-liquid, usually as two percentages. It affects viscosity, flavour transport, aerosol formation and feeding; the order used on the label must be checked.
Open termPropylene glycol is a diol, chemically 1,2-propanediol, used in e-liquids as a low-viscosity carrier and solvent. It distributes flavour substances and lowers viscosity compared with pure glycerine; quality grade and proportion depend on the formulation.
Open termPropylene glycol, or PG, is a relatively thin carrier used in many e-liquids. It carries flavours effectively and affects the mixture's viscosity and draw sensation.
Open termA ready-to-vape liquid is formulated for direct use in the intended atomizer as supplied and requires no further dilution. Nicotine content, ingredients, viscosity and device suitability are established by its label and manufacturer information.
Open termA refill container is the retail or storage package from which e-liquid is transferred into a refillable tank or pod. Filling tip, closure, material compatibility, volume and labelling determine controlled transfer and leak-tight storage.
Open termSalt nic is a common product and trade abbreviation for e-liquid containing nicotine in salt form. The expression specifies neither the particular acid nor the concentration; those details must be provided separately on the label or data sheet.
Open termShake and vape describes a format in which the designated components are combined in the retail bottle and dispersed by shaking. The product information alone specifies which components are required and whether a waiting period is intended.
Open termA shortfill is a larger, intentionally underfilled bottle usually containing flavoured nicotine-free liquid. The empty space is intended for a designated addition; the label and product format determine final volume, final strength and required preparation.
Open termSmoothness describes how little sharpness, scratchiness or irritation an e-liquid is subjectively perceived to have during a puff. Nicotine form, concentration, PG/VG ratio, cooling, flavours and device setting shape it; it is not a statement of safety.
Open termSteeping is a product-intended storage period during which flavour substances distribute and slow chemical changes may affect the profile. It does not automatically improve every liquid; duration, light protection, temperature and shelf life follow manufacturer information.
Open termSucralose is an intensely sweet chlorinated derivative of sucrose used in some e-liquid flavour systems. Its proportion strongly affects perceived sweetness, and under coil heat it can also contribute to the rapid formation of residue.
Open termSweetener is a flavour ingredient that adds sweetness to an e-liquid without necessarily being sugar. Its type and amount shape the flavour profile; some sweeteners can contribute to deposits on the coil and wick during heating.
Open termSynthetic flavour consists of chemically manufactured aroma substances that create a desired taste or smell profile. Synthetic describes the production route and alone says nothing about quality; substance identity, purity and intended application are decisive.
Open termTerpenes are a large class of volatile compounds, commonly built from isoprene units, that shape many botanical aromas. Individual terpenes can provide characteristic notes in flavour formulations; natural origin does not replace checks of identity, purity and intended use.
Open termThroat hit is the noticeable scratch, pressure or contraction felt in the throat during a puff. Nicotine concentration and form, PG proportion, flavours, aerosol temperature and draw technique influence it; it is not a direct measure of nicotine uptake.
Open termA unicorn bottle is usually a flexible, elongated e-liquid bottle with a narrow extended filling tip. Its shape permits targeted filling of small tank ports; tip, closure and bottle body must resist detachment, leakage and chemical interaction.
Open termVegetable glycerine, or VG, is a comparatively viscous e-liquid carrier. A higher VG share generally increases aerosol volume but requires a suitable liquid-feed system.
Open termLiquid viscosity describes resistance to flow: high viscosity means thick flow and low viscosity means freer flow. PG/VG ratio and temperature strongly affect it; in an atomizer it helps determine how quickly the wick is resupplied.
Open termWS-23 is a synthetic cooling agent with generally little flavour of its own, used to create a distinct cold sensation in flavour formulations. It acts through sensory cold receptors and does not technically refrigerate the coil or aerosol.
Open termWS-3 is a synthetic cooling substance and chemical menthol derivative that can produce a lasting cold sensation with limited flavour of its own. Its function is sensory; identity, purity and intended proportion belong to the specific flavour formulation.
Open term